Of that total, Max got to spend 70 percent, had to save 20 percent and got to choose where to donate 10 percent. When the Granite Bay, Calif., fifth-grader showed up a week later at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — his chosen charity — to hand over his $20 donation, the staff cheered, rang a bell and hugged him.

"In one year, he learned the power of saving "» and the power of giving away," Schwartz said of his son.

Max's dollar box is just one example of a money-mindful holiday gift. In an uneasy economy, many families like the idea of giving something that gets their kids thinking about smart money managing.

Here are some money-minded holiday gift ideas from parents, grandparents and money experts:

Ellen Powell, nonprofit consultant, Elk Grove, Calif.: Several years ago, Powell had to start taking $2,000 a year from an IRA that her savings-minded dad left her in his will. "It's money I never expected to have, and I thought: What would my dad have wanted me to do with this money?" The answer: Open Roth IRA accounts for her kids, then 19 and 22. Every year since, she adds equal amounts to those IRAs. Creating retirement savings for her dad's beloved grandkids is "a way of honoring him," Powell said. "Someday that money will be worth something to them."

Other readers had the same idea. Roth IRAs were the preferred choice because taxes are paid now, at current rates, instead of at future — presumably higher — tax rates.

Susan Lyon, finance analyst, NerdWallet.com: On the receiving end, Lyon said the "best money-minded gift I ever received" was a check from an aunt and uncle to open her first Roth IRA. They also walked her through the process, "making sure I understood what was happening every step of the way."

At 19, Lyon thought the holiday gift a bit odd. Today, at 26, the Princeton graduate calls it "the gift that keeps on giving year after year." Not only did it lessen "the intimidation factor" of investing, but it gave her a jump on her retirement savings.

Marcia Brixey, author of "The Money Therapist": Buy a few shares of stock in companies kids like — fast food like McDonald's, toy stores like Disney or beverage companies like Coca-Cola. "Buying stock is a great way to educate children how the stock market works. It also teaches kids they are 'owners' of the company," said Brixey, who suggests buying added shares for events like birthdays.

Also for kids: a piggy bank to get them in the savings habit. She especially likes the "Money Savvy Pig," a clear, plastic bank whose porky body is divided into four compartments: "Save," "Spend," "Donate" and "Invest." It's $17 at msgen.com.

Eleanor Blayney, consumer advocate, CFP Board of Standards: Instead of clothes or gadgets, how about picking up the fee for a session with a personal financial planner? For a young adult or couple, it's a chance to sit down with a professional to tackle debt, budgeting and other financial topics, said Blayney of the Certified Financial Planner Board in Washington, D.C.

For young Max, that box of dollar bills still seems like a holiday treasure chest.

This year, he can't wait to dive in again. Now a wiser sixth-grader, he's learned a priceless lesson from his yearlong saving and giving experience: "Donating isn't just for (the charity); it's good for you, too." Afterward, "you've got a smile because you feel so good."

Two weeks ago, Max's pet-friendly donation came full circle: His family brought home a new dog — a 5-year-old rescue Labrador.